BRAG BLOG

How Cross-State Bike Tours Support Local Communities

By Stephanie | Sep 23, 2025

When cyclists roll through small towns and rural communities during organized bike tours like BRAG’s (Bicycle Ride Across Georgia) Big BRAG or Spring TuneUp, they bring more than just spinning wheels and colorful jerseys. They bring economic opportunity, cultural exchange, and community pride that can transform local areas in meaningful and lasting ways. Economic Impact…

Guest Blog: A Cyclist’s Reflection on Bruges to Amsterdam Tour

By Franklin Johnson | Sep 16, 2025

One of the things that makes BRAG International cycling tours so special is not just the miles we ride or the places we visit, but the people we share them with. Every now and then, someone captures the essence of a trip in words so well that it becomes more than a memory—it becomes a…

Why Are Cross State Rides Dying?

By Franklin Johnson | Sep 9, 2025

For decades, cross-state bicycle tours were a bucket-list adventure for American cyclists. Yet today, many riders ask: Why are Cross State Bicycle Rides Dying? Once-thriving events like Bike Florida, Cycle Oregon, Ride the Rockies, and others have either downsized, paused, or disappeared. Understanding why helps reveal why the Big BRAG (Bicycle Ride Across Georgia) is…

The Guide to Dirty Sheets Gravel Bicycle Ride

By Franklin Johnson | Sep 9, 2025

Gravel cycling has exploded in popularity across America. Meanwhile, Georgia riders have discovered their own perfect playground for mixed-surface adventure. The Dirty Sheets Bicycle Ride represents one of the Southeast’s premier gravel cycling experiences. Additionally, it offers riders an escape from Atlanta’s urban chaos into the rolling countryside of Chattahoochee Hills. This isn’t your typical…

Guide to Silk Sheets Bicycle Ride

By Franklin Johnson | Sep 9, 2025

The Guide to Silk Sheets Bicycle Ride Every cyclist in the Atlanta area has heard whispers about the legendary Silk Sheets Bicycle Ride. This iconic route has become synonymous with serious recreational cycling in Georgia, drawing riders from across the Southeast to experience what many consider the gold standard of road cycling adventures. Whether you’re…

Best Bike Rides in Georgia

By Franklin Johnson | Sep 8, 2025

Best Bike Rides in Georgia Georgia has quietly become one of the premier cycling destinations in the United States, offering everything from challenging mountain passes to scenic coastal flats, luxury hotel-based tours to rugged multi-day adventures. Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking for your next challenge or a casual rider seeking beautiful scenery and great…

How a Bike Ride Transforms into Extraordinary Community

By Stephanie | Sep 5, 2025

It’s hard to make new friends and build community as we age, but there’s something about being on a bike ride with others that changes that. Maybe it’s the vulnerability of exhaustion that strips us down to our most authentic selves, or the natural rhythm of cycling side by side that creates intimacy. There’s no…

Boat and Bike Tour vs Hotel Cycling Tour

By Franklin Johnson | Aug 19, 2025

Boat vs. Hotel: Choosing the Right Cycling Tour Experience in Europe After leading cycling tours across Europe and North America, I get asked the same question constantly: “Should I book a boat and bike tour or a hotel based cycling tour?” It’s a great question, and honestly, there’s no wrong answer. Both experiences offer incredible…

DIY vs Group Bicycle Tours: Pros and Cons

By Franklin Johnson | Aug 18, 2025

Which is better? Picture this: you’re pedaling through the lavender fields of the Loire Valley, the morning sun casting long shadows across ancient stone villages. Or perhaps you’re cycling along Amsterdam’s tree-lined canals, stopping for coffee and stroopwafels whenever the mood strikes. Maybe you’re winding through Portugal’s Douro Valley, vineyard terraces stretching endlessly toward the…

What to Eat While Bicycling in Croatia

By Stephanie | Aug 18, 2025

A Culinary Adventure Through the South Dalmatian Islands When planning your Croatian cycling adventure, one question inevitably comes up… And that is, “What to eat in Croatia”? The answer becomes deliciously clear when you explore the South Dalmatian Islands by bike. That’s where every pedal stroke leads to another extraordinary culinary discovery. The stunning archipelago…